How do researchers nail down the age of ancient fossils? A biologist explains that it's thanks to a physical process called radioactive decay.
Curious Kids is a series for children of all ages. If you have a question you’d like an expert to answer, send it to [email protected].
Even though scientists like me weren’t around to see for ourselves what was happening on Earth so long ago, we use geologic clues to figure out what animals lived when. Here’s how we sort out very ancient timelines and even put dates on fossils like Haikouichthys. Uranium is one of these radioactive atoms. It breaks down very slowly into lead. Both uranium and lead atoms can be found naturally in rocks and minerals in very, very low amounts.
Once a rock is formed, no new elements are added to it. So scientists can calculate how much uranium the rock started with by adding what’s left to the amount of lead that’s there now, thanks to the radioactive decay process. Then, because they know exactly how long it takes for uranium to break down into lead, they can figure out the age of the rock. Boltwood proved that Rutherford’s idea worked, establishing the field of radiometric dating in 1907.
Radiometric dating of Haikouichthys fossils suggests these animals were swimming in Earth’s waters between 518 million and 530 million years ago — and possibly longer.
Österreich Neuesten Nachrichten, Österreich Schlagzeilen
Similar News:Sie können auch ähnliche Nachrichten wie diese lesen, die wir aus anderen Nachrichtenquellen gesammelt haben.
Austin at Large: The Bold Eye of the BeholderKirk Watson releases his first housing proposals, puts his “get it done” brand to the test.
Weiterlesen »
It’s time to make science in remote places family-friendlyMelissa Ward Jones and Mette Bendixen share their stories of juggling parenting and fieldwork, and argue that more should be done to help retain scientist-parents, particularly women, in academia.
Weiterlesen »
Keanu Reeves' BRZRKR Graphic Novel Becoming Netflix AnimeHe's done games, movies, and comics, so of course he's doing anime next.
Weiterlesen »
You v. YouHow does one trick one's self into doing what’s right or, at the very least, avoiding what’s wrong?
Weiterlesen »
The Best Avatar Creators for Your Phone, RankedWith the metaverse on the horizon, it's time to figure out our virtual personas.
Weiterlesen »